I decided to grow pumpkins at home a couple of months ago. I felt beyond excited when I first saw the little sprouts coming out! The pumpkin plants were growing beautifully, and according to my calculations, it wouldn’t be long before I planted them in the backyard.
One day, however, tragedy struck. When I checked the planters on my porch that morning, half of the little pumpkin plants had been mysteriously decapitated.
Had it been an iguana? Fire ants? My dog?
It didn’t matter much; they were dead! Or maybe not?
Starting over
Something told me to leave the little stems in place to see if a miracle would happen. And guess what? Over the next two weeks, new leaves started coming in!
Sometimes, like the pumpkins, we need to start over.
And that’s okay. Life isn’t a linear process.
Finding joy in every season
In case you are going through a season of transition or simply having to start over, I want to share some Bible verses that have helped me every time I’ve had to grow new leaves again.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland”
God’s specialty is making a way where there seems to be none!
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness”
Every new start is a chance to witness God’s power working in our life.
“The Lord makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; through he may stumble, he ill not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand”
Even if starting over feels uncertain, God guides your steps and upholds you.
“For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
God’s plans are good and full of hope for your future.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Even the challenge of starting over can be a blessing in disguise.
By the way, later on that day, the mystery was solved. It was the fire ants!